Mulled Crockpot Apple Cider

  'Tis the season...

of warm apple pie, crunchy leaves, pumpkins galore, and of course...hot apple cider.

Don't get me wrong. Buying a jug of good quality apple cider

and simply heating it up is completely acceptable.

 But when it takes so little effort to make something soooo much better...why would we not?? :)

Mulled Apple Cider

Ingredients:

1/2 gallon apple cider

8 whole cloves

10 Allspice berries

6 cinnamon sticks

the peel of one orange

the peel of one lemon

1/4 cup-2/3 cup real maple syrup

  

Simply place the cloves, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot. Peel your lemon and orange, being careful to avoid the white "stuff" right under the peel. Add your peel to the pan.

 

Next measure your maple syrup. Use 1/4 cup to 2/3 cup, depending

 on the level of sweetness you would like. I prefer to use a 1/2 cup...plenty of sweetness for me.

Add the golden goodness, known as maple syrup, to your pot.

Note: You may lick the measuring cup. Nobody is watching.

Measure out a half gallon (8 cups) of apple cider.

Add the apple cider to your pot. Bring all ingredients to a boil. Remove from heat.

Transfer all the warm, steaming deliciousness to a crock pot. Put it on the lowest

setting for 2-3 hours....if you can wait that long. The beauty of the crock pot is

 that you can put this cider on for a party and it will keep warm with no effort by you.

It doesn't get much better than that. :)

*Before serving, you may strain the spices and peel if you would like.

When you are ready to enjoy, ladle it into your favorite mug.

 Mmmm....feels like autumn...My favorite time of the year.

You may notice the logo on my favoritest mug...

if you have never heard of the

THE OUTPOST MERCANTILE, check it out. You won't be sorry.

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I found this recipe from The Pioneer Woman (I love her) and tweaked it a bit.